Kathleen Karlen

Kathleen Agnes "Kathy" Karlen, age 86, of Pine Island, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Kathy was born on January 22, 1939, in Red Wing, Minnesota, to John and Esther (Majerus) Strauss. She graduated from Goodhue High School in 1957 and went on to earn her Licensed Practical Nurse certification from the Rochester School of Vocational Nursing at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Kathy began her lifelong nursing career at St. Mary's Hospital before dedicating more than 30 years of compassionate service to Pine Haven Nursing Home, where she retired in 2007.

On September 28, 1963, Kathy was united in marriage to Richard "Dick" Karlen at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bellechester, Minnesota. Together they made their home in rural Dodge County, where they raised four children: Todd, Denise, Mike, and Jeff. Kathy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She was blessed with ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, all of whom brought endless happiness to her life.

Kathy was an active and faithful member of her community. She volunteered with her children's Milton Blazers 4-H Club and worked at the food stand during the Dodge County Fair. She was a longtime member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Quilting Bee Cause and St. Theresa's Circle. Kathy also enjoyed volunteering at the Pine Island Senior Citizens Community Center and with the Pine Haven Nursing Home Auxiliary.

In her leisure time, Kathy loved gardening, birdwatching, and working on puzzles. She also enjoyed the occasional trip to Treasure Island Casino with family and friends.

Kathy is survived by her children, Todd (Kelly) Karlen, Denise (Tim) Karlen-Nelson, Mike (Michelle) Karlen, and Jeff (Jena) Karlen; grandchildren, Michaelene (Harry) Spell, Adam (Vanessa) Karlen, Bradley (Kirsten) Karlen, Jeremy Karlen, Wyatt Garten, Elle Karlen, Austin Garten, Adi Karlen, Chloe Garten, and Maison Karlen; great-granddaughter, Evangeline Spell; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Merle and Colleen Sorum; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard; her parents, John and Esther Strauss; her in-laws, Harold and Marie Karlen; her sisters, Mary Sacco and Clarice Ferrecchia; and her brother, Kenneth "Bud" Strauss.

Kathy's family and friends will forever remember her as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose kindness, faith, and generosity touched countless lives.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Kathy's honor on Friday, November 21, 2025, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Pine Island, Minnesota, with Fr. Randal Kasel officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 2:30 p.m. Burial will take place at St. Michael Cemetery, with a light meal to follow.

Kathy's family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace, joyfully reunited in Heaven with those she loved, and we look forward to the day we will meet again.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Karlen family.